Meet Our Quit Coaches

Our Quit Coaches are health professionals qualified to help people become smokefree. They know the Smokefree methods that are backed by research and are trained to tailor specific programmes for everyone they help so the support is right for them.

Te Hā – Waitaha Quit Coaches are based across Canterbury and work in urban and rural locations.

 

Anthea Davidson

Anthea Davidson

Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust

Tēnā kotou katoa.
Ko wai au.
Ko Tiranga te māunga
Ko Whakatāne te awa
Ko Mataatua te waka
Ko Whakatōhea te iwi
Ko Ōpape te marae
Ko Ngāti Ruatakena tōku hapū
Ko Anthea tōku ingoa
Kia ora koutou, my name is Anthea.

I work to help all tangata whaiora/people in the community to stop smoking and become smokefree. It is through whanaungatanga/connection with people that we can be most effective I believe. This mahi can be done by meeting in person within the home, workplace or any public space with any client who needs our awhina/help and tautoko/support.
Improved hauroa/health can be achieved by becoming smokefree is not just for one person, but for our whānau/family and whai ora/community too.

Mō tatou, a, mō ngā uri a muri ake nei – For us and those who come after us.

I look forward to supporting everyone be smokefree.
Bale Vuadreu

Bale Vuadreu

Tangata Atumotu Trust

Kia ora, Bula vinaka and warm Pacific greetings! My name is Bale and I serve as a Stop Smoking Practitioner. I love this work as it places me in a position to help others gain back the best versions of themselves.

There's so much to live for so prioritising our health should be uppermost for us all. Having said that, the journey is ultimately yours but do know that we are here to help you chip away at habits that take the best out of us.

I look forward to supporting you in becoming smokefree.
Christine Solomon

Christine Solomon

Community and Public Health

Kia ora koutou. I started with Te Hā-Waitaha in October 2016 and I have 14 years’ experience. I am passionate about working alongside whānau to become auahi kore. Guiding them to set attainable goals and sharing in their successes. I especially love working with hapu mama and their partners on the Pregnancy Incentive Programme as they’re trying to make a difference to their whole whānau. Once you identify the barriers to becoming auahi kore you can start chipping away at them and be successful in becoming auahi kore.

I look forward to working with you and your whānau.
Ella Newey

Ella Newey

Community and Public Health

Kia ora, I have always had a passion for health, helping others and reducing inequities where possible. Helping people to begin their SmokeFree journey ticks all these boxes for me!

After finishing my degree in Health Science, majoring in Public Health in 2020, I found my place at Te Ha Waitaha in early 2021.Through my study, my eyes were opened to smoking and the impacts it can have on the individual, and whānau. Becoming SmokeFree benefits our social, spiritual, physical and our mental health.

In my role I am the initial contact for those who are wanting to quit. I love hearing the passion and reasons behind why someone wants to become SmokeFree, and then being able to help them started on their journey is awesome.
Gina Straker

Gina Straker

Waitaha Primary Health

Being Māori myself, I have seen many of my own whānau struggle with smoking related illnesses and with some even death. This has pushed me to fight for my whānau and others who still battle with their addiction to have a better smokefree life.

I believe everyone has the ability to change and within my role, I can build on their strengths and offer options so that they can make a fully informed decision.

Our children are our future and I hope that going forward a smokefree Aotearoa will benefit them with better health outcomes for future generations.

I cover rural South Canterbury and mid-Canterbury. People in these areas live in isolation and this way we get to take the support to them, which can remove barriers.
Joyce Heywood

Joyce Heywood

Community and Public Health

Ko Pukekaroro te maunga
Ko Kaipara te awa
Ko Mahuhu ki te rangi te waka
Ko Ngāti Whātua , ko Ngaphui, ko Ngāti Porou te iwi
Ko Te Uri o Hau te hapu
Ko Ōtamatea te marae
Ko Heywood tōku whānau
Ko Joyce tōku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā kotou, tēnā katou, tēnā kotou katoa

I am Māori kaimahi working part time in the Smokefree space engaging with Hapu Māma and Whānau.
The other part of my role is as the Engagement Coordinator for Te Hā Waitaha Stop Smoking Support Services.
I look forward to being able to support all in my whānau and community in living a smokefree life.
Kelematina Fareti

Kelematina Fareti

Tangata Atumotu Trust

Raised in a vibrant family of ten in Samoa, Kelematina deeply values family, which drives her commitment to improving health for herself and others. Her dedication to nurturing connections and fostering trust has been crucial to her success, especially during her ten years in the banking industry, where she progressed from teller to manager.

Kelematina moved to Ashburton with her family in 2019 and proudly embraces her Samoan heritage - sharing it with her daughter to strengthen their cultural roots.

“Being a Stop Smoke Practitioner is a wonderful opportunity that I wholeheartedly embrace. I am eager to work alongside those seeking support on their journey. By understanding, accepting, and valuing one another, we can create fair access and opportunities for our community, helping each person become their healthiest and most authentic self.”

Outside of work, Kelematina is actively involved in the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, dedicating her weekends to church activities and community service.
Niki Fox

Niki Fox

He Waka Tapu

Ko Nuku Mania te Maunga
Ko Orokaia te Awa
Ko Ngai Tahu, Ngati mamoe me Waitaha te Iwi
Ko Ruahikihiki te hapu
Ko Ta O Moki te Marae
Ko Marsh toku whānau
Ko Niki toku ingoa

Kia ora. My name is Niki.

I am looking forward to helping support Tangata whaiora (clients) in becoming smokefree.
I come from a background where everyone smoked, and I have also been a smoker myself.
I understand the toughness of becoming smoke free and want to help change the lives of whānau.
I am currently studying L4 mental health and addictions and have been working alongside whaiora in the addictions space at He Waka Tapu.
I believe with the right support and whānau around you, you can make that change and be good at it!!!
I am excited to see the change in whaiora becoming smoke free with goals and structure to help secure that change

I am passionate about this Kaupapa and bring a lot of energy to supporting you all.
Sammi Latham

Sammi Latham

Purapura Whetu Trust

Kia ora koutou. I am a recent Health Science graduate and have always been extremely passionate about public health- particularly in prevention. My passion stems from losing my mum and grandad to cancer.

As part of the smokefree team I can help guide people along their journey to live a healthier, smoke-free life. This role allows me to contribute to meaningful change within our communities. I am dedicated to making a positive impact and improving the well-being of others through education, support, and advocacy.

I love getting to know different people and hearing their life stories. Each person's journey is unique, and I am inspired by their strength and resilience. Listening to their experiences not only enriches my understanding but also reinforces my commitment to helping them achieve their health goals. Building these connections and seeing the positive transformations in their lives is incredibly rewarding. It motivates me to continue working hard, advocating for better health outcomes, and supporting those who need it most.
let's go!